Canadian Judge might Lose Job over Rape Comment

A Canadian judge might lose his job for his conduct when he asked a woman in a hearing why she could not “just keep her knees together.”

Robin Camp, 64, a Federal Court Judge, is in the middle of a week-long judicial council rape case that will ascertain whether he must be removed from the bench.

The rape case in question happened in 2014 when Robin was a provincial court judge. Last year he became a Federal Judge.

The woman aged 19, stated she was raped during a house party over a bathroom sink. As stated by records of the hearing, Robin asked her why she did not “skew her pelvis” or push her butt into the sink to prevent penetration.

With regards to sex generally, and sex with young women particularly, he stated, “Young women want to have sex, in particular, if they are drunk.”

In a separate part of the hearing, he stated “Some sex and pain at times go together… that isn’t necessarily a bad thing.”

Robin eventually acquitted the man charged with the offense.

The verdict was overturned on appeal. A new hearing is slated for November.

These, as well as other moments from the hearing, led the Canadian Judicial Council to open its investigation.

Robin, the council stated, “participated in stereotypical or biased thinking with regards to a sexual assault complainant.”

Testifying at the trial Friday, Robin offered this defense for his remarks: “a non-existent” understanding of Canadian criminal law.

The South African-born judge stated he did not get training in sex assault cases. In his legal profession, he concentrated mainly on bankruptcy and contract cases, he stated.

He apologized to the woman for his remarks, calling them “insulting and rude.”

It has not taken an entire 24 months for people to notice Robin’s off-color remarks. As outlined by a Notice of Response from the judicial council, Robin has gone through sensitivity training and has apologized openly many times.

After the trial Monday, the panel will send its recommendations regarding Robin’s future to the full Canadian Judicial Council.